Reflecting on 2024: A Year of Growth and Innovation for the Africa Evidence Network (AEN)
As 2024 comes to a close, we at the Africa Evidence Network (AEN) are proud to reflect on a year filled with significant milestones, impactful initiatives, and collaborative growth. Our commitment to advancing evidence-informed decision-making (EIDM) across Africa has been unwavering, and together with our community, we’ve achieved remarkable outcomes.
Celebrating Excellence in Evidence Leadership
This year, we proudly honoured the winners of the Africa Evidence Leadership Award, recognising their exceptional contributions in four distinct categories. Enock Musungwini was celebrated as an Evidence User for his impactful application of evidence in decision-making. Violet Murunga received the Evidence Producer Award for her outstanding work in generating high-quality, actionable evidence. Ismael Kawooya was recognised as the Evidence Mediator for his role in bridging the gap between evidence and policy. Lastly, Firmaye Bogale was celebrated as the first Emerging Leader Under 35, acknowledging her remarkable leadership in advancing evidence use within her field. These awards highlight the individuals driving transformative change through evidence and setting benchmarks for excellence in the EIDM community.
Strengthening Communities of Practice
The launch of seven new communities of practice (CoPs) marked a significant step toward fostering collaboration and shared learning on key topics in EIDM. These CoPs serve as dynamic platforms for practitioners to exchange insights, develop innovative solutions, and collectively advance the use of evidence in policy and practice across Africa. To explore this initiative further, we documented the journey in a blog post, showcasing how these CoPs are driving transformative change by building evidence capacities and fostering meaningful collaboration across the continent.
A Digital Showcase of African EIDM
This year’s fully digital Africa Evidence Week was a resounding success. With over 30 organisations and over 100 activities showcased, the event highlighted the outstanding contributions of young and emerging leaders across the continent. The week provided a platform to amplify voices, share knowledge, and build connections that will continue to shape the future of EIDM in Africa. For a deeper dive into the event's highlights, check out our blog, where we reflect on key moments and celebrate the achievements that made the week unforgettable.
Advancing Capacity Development
We revised and relaunched the AEN’s Manifesto on Capacity Development for EIDM in Africa, reaffirming our commitment to equipping individuals and organisations with the skills and knowledge needed to make evidence-informed decisions. This updated Manifesto serves as a guiding framework for fostering sustainable capacity development initiatives across the continent.
Partnerships, Events, and a New Digital Presence
In 2024, the AEN actively supported partner events across Africa, strengthening regional networks and promoting EIDM initiatives. A highlight of the year was the launch of our new Africa Evidence Network (AEN) website and membership portal, designed to enhance member engagement, streamline access to resources, and foster a sense of community among our diverse stakeholders.
Let us recommit ourselves to building connections that are intentional and collaborations that are impactful. Let us be the change-makers, bridge-builders, and torchbearers who illuminate the path forward. “Only together can EIDM become a reality!” This statement is supported by African proverbs that remind us:
- "If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together."
- "A single bracelet does not jingle."
- "Sticks in a bundle are unbreakable."
- "Many hands make light work."
- "Wisdom is like a baobab tree; no one individual can embrace it."
Together, we can face challenges that would be insurmountable alone. Let us pull our efforts together and make a commitment to creating a meaningful impact.
Looking Ahead to 2025: The Evidence Conference
Building on the momentum of 2024, we are excited to announce the Evidence 2025 Conference, our biennial flagship event. This event will bring together EIDM practitioners, policymakers, researchers, and emerging leaders to explore innovative solutions, share best practices, and chart a path forward for EIDM in Africa.
As we prepare for the opportunities and challenges of 2025, we remain steadfast in our mission to connect, inspire, and empower the EIDM community across the continent. Thank you to our members, partners, and stakeholders for your continued support and commitment to making evidence count for Africa.
Join Us in 2025
Stay connected with the AEN as we embark on another transformative year. Whether through participating in our communities of practice, engaging with our digital content, or attending the Evidence 2025 event, your involvement will be instrumental in advancing the use of evidence for a better Africa. Let’s continue to build on the progress of 2024 and make 2025 a year of even greater impact. Together, we can ensure that evidence remains at the heart of decision-making across the continent.
About the author: Siziwe Ngcwabe is the Director and Co-chair of the Africa Evidence Network. She is a South African inspirational trailblazing social entrepreneur, motivational speaker, personal change catalyst, and academic. She was born in Qitsi village, Cofimvaba, Eastern Cape, and raised in East Driefontein mine in Carletonville. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in social work with honours from the Walter Sisulu University (UNITRA), a Postgraduate Diploma in Business Management (PGDBM) from MANCOSA, a Master’s degree in Public Management-MPM and Masters of Business Administration-MBA from Regenesys Business School. She worked at several organisations across different sectors in South Africa. Siziwe Ngcwabe is currently the Director and Co-chair of the Africa Evidence Network. She approaches the challenge of working in various environments with dedication and diligence. She believes with her willingness to continuously face new challenges, her intellectual curiosity, and her academic and 24 years of experience; she aims to continuously support connections and collaborations for meaningful African and global impact through evidence networks by promoting evidence production, use, and mediation for useful change. She is also committed to building innovative, collaborative solutions.
Acknowledgements: The author(s) is solely responsible for the content of this article, including all errors or omissions; acknowledgements do not imply endorsement of the content. The author is grateful to Charity Chisoro for her guidance in preparing and finalising this article, as well as her editorial support.
Disclaimer: The views expressed in published blog posts, as well as any errors or omissions, are the sole responsibility of the author/s and do not represent the views of the Africa Evidence Network, its secretariat, advisory or reference groups, or its funders; nor does it imply endorsement by the afore-mentioned parties.
Suggested citation: Ngcwabe, S. (2024) Reflecting on 2024: A Year of Growth and Innovation for the Africa Evidence Network (AEN). Blog posting on 12 December 2024. Available at: https://www.africaevidencenetwork.org/en/learning-space/article/377/
